YAMAMOTO, KANSAI

BRAND AND FASHION DESIGNER,   Y

KANSAI YAMAMOTO (1944-2020), JAPANESE FASHION DESIGNER

Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto was one of the pioneers of Japanese fashion. Notably, the first Japanese designer to have presented a personal collection in London, when he was 17, in 1971. He was also famous for his collaboration with David Bowie to create Ziggy Stardust.

THE LIFE OF KANSAI YAMAMOTO

Known for his eclectic and bold style, Kansai Yamamoto was born in 1944 in Yokohama. Consequently, as a young man he abandoned his engineering studies to focus on fashion. Henceforth, in 1971 he opened his eponymous fashion house and showed his first collection in London. His creations, which were inspired by the Japanese art of Kabuki, were colorful and bright, androgynous and futuristic, and were immediately noticed by industry insiders. Moreover, not only the fashion world not notice it was David Bowie himself who wanted to wear the creations of the Japanese designer.

The White Duke did not miss an opportunity to dress Yamamoto and did so in several situations. The two minds also created the famous Ziggy Stardust, inspired by a Japanese legend that described the relationship between a deity and a rabbit with intense white color. Over the years the designer has continued to dress many celebrities and among them, Lady Gaga stands out, who has never hidden a passion for Yamamoto.

David Bowie wearing Kansai Yamamoto’s Tokyo Pop tracksuit

THE TOKYO POP SUIT BY YAMAMOTO

The black wide-leg jumpsuit that Yamamoto designed for David Bowie (and his alter ego Ziggy Stardust) in the 70s is famous. “Tokyo Pop” suit was made in vinyl in 1973 for the singer’s Aladdin Sane Tour. Significantly, it was worn during the concert on March 10, 1973, at the Long Beach Arena in Los Angeles and then again in 1989 for a photo shoot by Herb Ritts. Uniquely, for this look, the designer was inspired by traditional Japanese clothing. Importantly, in particular, the wide samurai pants that are still used today to practice some martial arts. Notably, also adds an androgynous touch to the outfit, a feature that will then remain in the designer’s other creations.

Describing Yamamoto, Bowie had said, “ He has an unusual face, don’t you think? He doesn’t look like a man or a woman. Do you understand what I mean? As a designer, he represents my ideal, because most of my clothes are for both genders. I love his music and obviously,y this has influenced my projects but above al,l there is an aura of fantasy that surrounds him. He has charm ».

To announce the disappearance of Yamamoto, which took place on July 21, was the daughter Mirai (actress) with a post on Instagram.

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